Replay: The Land of Hot Air Balloons, Heritage Grains, and 300 Days of Sunshine
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Show Notes
Albuquerque isn't just a stopover—it's a destination where ancient land meets modern vision. On this replay episode of Unpacked, join host Aislyn Greene as she discovers why this Southwestern city has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, food innovators, and cultural preservation. From sunrise balloon rides to Indigenous-led breweries, explore the Albuquerque that's rooted in 10-million-year-old landscapes and 700 years of Pueblo heritage.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How Albuquerque preserved one-quarter of its land as open space—and what that means for visitors today
- The Indigenous entrepreneurs and chefs reclaiming food sovereignty through heritage grains, native ingredients, and innovative brewing
- Why New Mexico's oldest wine region is finally getting the recognition it deserves
- The best ways to experience Albuquerque's outdoor spaces, from the Sandia Peak Tramway to the new downtown Rail Trail
Meet this week’s guests
- Sarah Sheasley, director of marketing for Los Poblanos
- Elaine Briseño, journalist and historian
- Terry Brunner, the Director of the city of Albuquerque’s Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency
- Justin de la Rosa, a local food writer and director of outlets for the Sawmill Market
- Dylan Storment, director of wine and spirits at Los Poblanos
- Missy Begay, cofounder of Bow & Arrow Brewing
- Bill Stimmel, the entrepreneurial director at Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- Murray Conrad, hot air balloon pilot and owner of World Balloon
My Albuquerque itinerary
Where I ate, stayed, and played.
Hotels
- Book a stay at Los Poblanos
- Book a stay at Hotel Chaco
Restaurants
- El Patio
- Mesa Provisions
- Coda Bakery
- Campo at Los Poblanos
- Level 5 at Hotel Chaco
- Farm & Table
- Bow & Arrow Brewing
- Old Town Farm
Activities
- Take a bike and taco tour with Routes
- Tour the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
- Visit the Paseo del Bosque
- Take a tram up Sandia Peak
- Fly with World Balloon
- If you want to hear more of the flamenco episode you hear at the top of the episode, see a show at Tablao Flamenco
Explore more places to stay and savor with Afar's New Mexico travel guide.
Stay Connected
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- Explore our other podcasts, View From Afar, about the people and companies shaping the future of travel, and Travel Tales, which celebrates first-person narratives about the way travel changes us.
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